Saturday, January 23, 2021
The new Covid variant has infected at least two people here in New Jersey and seems to have spread in other states as well as countries. Scientists and health officials have conflicting ideas and beliefs about the new strain. Some seem to believe it is less deadly than the original while others say just the opposite. And the vaccines seem to work against both strains.
Uncertainty. Science certainly does not bring certainty. A hopeful sign is that there is a drop in reported cases. Perhaps it’s because more of us are following guidelines: masks and sanitizer, avoiding large crowds and acting sensibly. I have to admit that I don’t like uncertainty, but haven’t we always lived with uncertainty?
Our ancestors who first graced our shores came with a great deal of uncertainty. And the immigrants who followed, whether in the nineteenth century or in our own, they, too, came with uncertainty, not sure what to expect but full of hope for the future. Living with cautious hope is not easy but necessary. Let us pray for the strength to do just that.
Prayer for the Day
We need to feel your presence in our lives, O God,
For you embrace us, reminding us that we are not alone;
We seek an inner truth not found in the world around us,
Moving us to be witnesses of your peace.
May we hold fast to the strength only you can give,
Enabling us to share your love with others.
In the name of him who embraces us with your strength,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Policy making invariably involves taking measured risks in the face of uncertainty, for one has neither a prior template nor the luxury of indecision.
- Raghuram G. Rajan, University of Chicago economics professor
Time stops for no one, no matter how unsure we are of the future.
- Rebekah Crane, American author
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me;
The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help.
And God heard my voice from the holy temple, and my cry reached God’s ears.
Psalm 18: 4-6